Its quite possible that if you put cat food down on the floor, your chinchilla will try to eat it. However, if you are allergic to hay, this is a great option as it greatly reduces the hay dust in your house, which reduces the allergic reaction that you might have to the hay. Instead, you should only feed them a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of fresh green leaves and grass. Chinchillas are herbivorous and do not eat animal-based products. For example, you could offer them a few pieces of fruit, such as apples or pears. In this post, we will share the foods your chinchilla should be eating on a daily basis, how much they should be eating as well as what foods they need to stay away from. Yes, the chinchilla that you have been eyeing for quite some time now. Chinchillas can't eat blueberries for a variety of reasons. There is very little difference in the nutrition provided between timothy hay and orchard grass hay. . Fruit is a food that can be offered to your chinchilla as a treat. Also, as with people, some chinchillas may not react well to all foods so give new items in small amounts. Some use only meat products while others include vegetables and grains. Thats why they need to have toys and accessories in their houses. Chinchillas are quite possibly at their happiest when using a dust bath and it is important we provide them with this little delight regularly to keep them content and in good health. Chinchillas have a rounded ears, plump furry bodies, short legs, and long tails. Protein - 16-20%. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Rabbit Food? These are dried fruits, dried herbs, plantain, and root vegetables. Chinchillas require a diet high in fiber and low in fat. Why You Shouldnt Feed Cat Food To A Chinchilla, The Risks Of Feeding Wet Cat Food To A Chinchilla, Can Chinchillas Eat Pretzels? This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You should never feed a chinchilla hamster food, as it is one of the worst blends of ingredients for chinchillas to consume. chinchillabreeders.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The chinchilla should be given fresh hay every day. This can lead to blockages and other health issues. Reasons Why Theyre Smart. As rodents, their standard diet tends to follow a more opportunistic model, with chinchillas eating plants, seeds, fruits, and insects that it can get its paws on. Avoid feeding dried fruits. When cared for and fed properly, chinchillas can make great pets. link to How Often Should Chinchillas Have Dust Baths? Image Credit: Natalis.ph, Shutterstock. This means that chinchillas require a diet rich in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates. On the flip side to this, if your chinchillas have more phosphorus than calcium in their diet then this can also cause health problems with muscle development, bones health and growth. Therefore, you need to make sure your chinchilla is safe in the cage placed in a different room your cat cant go into. Water should be provided in the form of a water bottle rather than a bowl as this is much more hygienic for your chinchilla. Many gastrointestinal disorders can result in yellow throw up. In the wild, chinchillas live in cold mountains, crevices of rocks, moving from rock to rock to escape from predators and to find food. But guinea pigs are actually really good at eating slowly and reading their body. Instead, offer your adult chinchilla timothy hay or other low-calcium grass hays, such as orchard or meadow grass. Consequently, this lowers the stress level of your chinchilla that wont now feel like a target, thereby leading to an environment where these two can live together in harmony.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-netboard-2-0'); You need to be careful about how you introduce your chinchilla to your cat is you really want there to be any harmonious relationship between these two creatures. Not only that, chinchillas are similar to other animals, such as cats or dogs. Also note: the initial interaction shall be concise, lasting only a few minutes. For a healthy domestic animal, you need proper food and a diet plan. Line the cage with a few inches of dye-free paper bedding. Belmore, NSW. Chewing is good for your chinchillas teeth as they continually grow throughout their lives and chewing safe objects will help to keep their teeth short and healthy. Guide + Chart. It will keep them active and give them the appropriate amount of pellets per day, hay, and other food items per day as well. Feeding any type of cat food to your chinchilla is a bad idea, however, feeding them wet cat food is one of the worst things you can do. Please talk to your vet for a detailed diet plan that suits the individual needs of your pet. First off, you should always feed your chinchilla a healthy, balanced diet. So, can rabbits eat chinchilla food? Cats with a chinchilla coat pattern have white undercoats and tipping on the back, tail, head, and flanks. It should be bright green and smell fresh, or else it can be harmful to your chinchilla. Buy Merrick Dog Food online in Canada from Canadian Pet Connection. It comes with a water bottle and food dish as well, all priced under $20. Caring for a Chinchilla: What You Need to Know, Overgrown Teeth and Dental Issues in Chinchillas. The chinchilla's pellets should be put in a food bowl, and they should be given fresh pellets every day. Pellets should be hay-based and fortified with additional vitamins. In fact, the hamster food is likely to be harmful to them. The only downside to dried fruit is that as nutrients such as fibre increase so does the sugar content and this can elevate the amounts of sugar into alarming levels. Calcium and phosphorus play an important role in your chinchillas diet, albeit a complicated one. While long term overfeeding of sugary foods can cause problems such as tooth decay and obesity, even overfeeding sugary food just once and cause diarrhoea and gas. You can check out the water bottle we recommend you use in our new cage accessories guide here. Behavior & Training Food & Nutrition . The answer is that chinchillas do need fresh water daily and if they dont have access to water they will become dehydrated and eventually become ill and die. Chinchillas are South American rodents that have continuously growing, open-rooted teeth to compensate for the wear that occurs from chewing on very abrasive, high-fiber grass and hay. They can be offered much variety of good quality and clean hay like timothy hay, orchard grass, alfalfa hay, oat hay, or meadow hay. Approximately 75% to 80% of your chinchilla's diet should be made up of fresh hay. They are extremely high in fibre while offering low amounts of sugar. Greens especially leafy greens are a food group that you can and should offer to your chinchilla on a regular basis. Chinchillas enjoy dandelions because they have an interesting . What Do Chinchillas Eat: Diet & Food Guide. Chins have a high metabolism and can eat constantlyideally, they shouldn't go without food for more than 12 hours, but 24 hours is doable if absolutely necessary. Do make sure to feed them every day and check if their droppings are dry and normal. Hamster food contains ingredients that are high in fats, including seeds and nuts, which could even be toxic to a chinchilla's system. This is what your chinchillas diet should look like, Hay Unlimited amounts (80-90% of the diet), Pellets Limited amounts to complement hay diet, Fresh Greens Small amounts offered daily, Fruit Very small amounts offered on occasion, Lets now break down the different elements of a chinchillas diet and see exactly what they should be eating to keep them both happy and healthy. Plain Shredded Wheat. If your hamster has consumed any of these items then please seek veterinary advice. Special emphasis on nutritional support. Chinchillas need hay between 14% and 16% plant protein. Poison Ivy. Much like many other rodents, a chinchillas teeth continue to grow throughout their life, so they need food that will help to stop them from overgrowing. Hibiscus is known to be a healthy treat for chinchillas if offered in small quantities and is often used in commercial chinchilla treats. 1 The deluxe chinchilla food is made from high-fiber alfalfa meal to promote gastrointestinal health, with added fiber, protein, and fat derived from soybeans. So what can chinchillas eat? There are some great hay-based pellets out there on the market that complement your chinchillas hay-based diet and fill in the gaps in your chins nutrition really well. The recommended ratio for calcium to phosphorus is 2:1 so thats two parts calcium to every one part phosphorus. As you can see from everything weve discussed above, you should never feed cat food to a chinchilla. You also need to make sure your cat has a mellow personality to lower the likelihood of it attacking your chinchilla. 3 Human Foods For Chinchillas: Final Thoughts. If you are thinking of becoming a new pet parent, having a chinchilla will be the ultimate solution. Nonetheless, this can be achieved by only slowly introducing these two pets to each other. 3. By doing so, youll be giving your cat and chinchilla ample time to get used to each other behaviors and smells. What Owners Must Know! Providing your chinchilla with safe wood for them to chew on is the best and most convenient option. The worry is that the chinchilla will refuse to eat unless being served the ingredient (even if a health condition requires them not to eat it anymore.) if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-box-4','ezslot_2',194,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-box-4-0');You should thus not be surprised if a cat and chinchilla bond as companions or friends. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. This list includes common household foods that hamster should avoid but is by no means exhaustive. One of the Pocket Pets Forever is a website for lovers of pocket pets. They shouldn't be used in place of a proper diet of chinchilla pellets and hay. For this reason, we have chosen to list the most common greens and veggies that owners often choose to feed their chinchillas and that we can validate are safe using veterinary sources such as the PDSA. Yes, chinchillas can eat C heerios, . Both chinchillas and hamsters are small rodents, so it's not surprising that they have similar dietary needs. What is the reason why Chinchillas are not allowed to consume blueberries? ; The long-tailed chinchillas will feed on insects, such as moths and grasshoppers, and bird eggs if the opportunity presents itself. and always check to see if the fruit is recommended for chinchillas and what quantities it should be offered in. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Laurel. In this post, we have listed many of the safe fruits for chinchillas although this list isnt conclusive. link to Are Chinchillas Territorial? [4] You can buy hay at most pet stores or online. You may also be able to give your chinchilla treats like rose petals, rolled oats, or even non-frosted shredded wheat. Again, although this is the common amount of food that your pet needs, you need to contact the pet veterinarian to be sure of ample amounts of food that your chinchilla needs. On the other hand, the natural hamster diet is mainly . They eat Royal Canin special Persian cat food and the kittens are eating kitten food. Due to their opportunistic nature in the wild, most chinchillas will eat any leaves, seeds, fruits, and nonpoisonous insects that it can come across, and because they are endangered . Most tap water is clean, however, dirty water can contain giardia and would not be suitable for use in your Chinchilla Water Bottle. Its important to know how much food you need to offer your chinchilla each day in order for them to be considered healthy. This is usually the case for cats and chinchillas, which can be stressful for you as a pet owner. The chinchilla's digestive system is incompatible with these foods due to their high water content, high acidity, high vitamin C content, high fructose content, and low fiber content, as well as their . On top of this, wet cat food has a tendency to stick around in the digestive tract for long periods of time. Their diets should consist of 30 percent fiber, 14-16 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrates, 3.5 percent fat/oil, 4 percent sugar, 6 percent minerals and 7 percent moisture/trace elements. Remember that treats are only supposed to be offered sparingly and not in large amounts daily. so from these numbers alone its clear to see that good quality hay is undoubtedly the most vital part of your chinchillas diet. So, excessive feeding can lead to diarrhea and urinary problems. Please talk to your vet for a detailed diet plan that suits the individual needs of your pet. Unfortunately, though, this doesnt mean that its going to provide your chinchilla with the nutrients they require. To be more specific, the diet should have 30% fiber, 16% protein, 35% carbohydrates, and the rest should be filled with fat, minerals, and sugar. Specific Substrate Needs. The small animals love their leafy snack so much that they can live off it alone. As it turns out, chinchillas have an absolutely wide diet that varies considerably in the texture, hardness, nutritional value, etc. In the wild, chinchillas are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. Adult chinchillas are recommended to eat timothy hay as this provides all the nutrients your chinchilla needs and in the correct quantities. If you want to know what age baby chinchillas are weaned then head over to our post that shares all you need to know. There are so many different hay varieties to choose from and sometimes it can be hard to know which ones will serve your chinchillas nutritional needs the best. When it comes to pellets for chinchillas, its important that you purchase pellets that are specifically designed for chinchillas. Earn FREE Grooming, Pet Wash, and Nail Service Rewards. Its important to understand that this is a guide only. We will be constantly adding new dedicated posts where we spotlight popular fruits so you can see in detail if the fruit is safe as well as how often and how much to offer your chinchilla. If you can imagine for a moment what that would be like, it is much easier to see why they need dust baths instead of w. Purebred Silver & White chinchilla. However, in many cases, this is easier said than done. The most important thing is to provide chinchillas with additional water, especially in summer, and monitor their daily water intake. First, rabbit food is not a complete diet for a chinchilla. Protein: should be between 16% and 20%. It's not safe for rabbits to eat chinchilla food. 4. | Learn More >> You are shopping: Livonia, MI Livonia. They are high in sugar, however, so give sparingly. You can do this by understanding how a chinchilla behaves and using that to your advantage. As you know, chinchillas are very sensitive animals, so you need to be very careful with what you feed them. Arrives by Fri, Mar 31 Buy Auto Feeder Water Dispenser Set Rabbit Cat Dog Chinchilla Food Hanging Gravity at Walmart.com Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) whereas chinchillas are herbivores (plant-eaters). Cat with can food. It is a rich source of Malic acid that is not essential for your Chinchillas. The average pet chinchilla lifespan is 15-20 years If they are fed certain foods together frequently, they will become accustomed to them always being served together. Fresh Apple. Oxbow Essentials Deluxe Chinchilla Food. Finally, since chinchillas cannot vomit, small or hard foods such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or raisins can get stuck in the back of the mouth or esophagus leading to salivation, gagging, lack of appetite and possible problems breathing. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Romaine Lettuce? A chinchilla that is fully grown typically weighs between 1 and 3 pounds. [What Owners Will Want To Know]Continue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Oat grass. So here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can feed your chinchillas. Fruits and Veggies - Fresh fruits, fresh greens, and other veggies are a healthy part of your chinchilla's diet as well. The body of an average chinchilla grows to about 10 inches long, but it can range from 8 inches to 12 inches, and its tail will typically be about 5 inches in length. What Nutrients Are Important For Chinchillas? One thing thats worth pointing out is that orchard grass hay is slightly more coarse than standard timothy hay and will do a better job of keeping your chinchillas teeth short if they are starting to look overgrown. Good hays include alfalfa hay, timothy hay, orchard grass, and blue grass. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Nuts? The best way to safeguard your chinchilla from your cat is by placing its cage far from the reach of your cat. So the treats that you choose to feed them should be given only occasionally. Their diet should be composed of about 35% carbohydrates, 3.5% fat, 30% fiber, 15% protein, and only 4% sugar. Homeopathic and herbal remedies. From their increased curiosity and affection to their unmatched affordability, chinchillas will always be amazing pets. So what should you do? This is a question many pet owners ask themselves, and if you fall into this category, youre in luck.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smallpetshq_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-banner-1-0'); Heres a detailed article on the compatibility of chinchillas and cats to make you better informed on whether owning these two pets is a good idea. Just because a green on the list below is labelled safe doesnt mean that you can feed your chinchilla unlimited amounts of that green or vegetable. Once you do this, you can be sure that your cat wont be able to swipe your chinchilla or its cage as they get used to each others company.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'smallpetshq_com-sky-3','ezslot_21',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-sky-3-0'); While you might be excoriated to introduce your chinchilla to your entire family, and this includes your cat, its vital first to make sure it first gets used to you. The hamster food will not be nutritionally beneficial to them. They need to have variety in the boring food they eat while also getting all the nutritional requirements met. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Some of the more common culprits include inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial infections, viral infections, parasites, ulcers, etc. However, its still possible for these two pets to get along, but this doesnt mean that youll find the chinchilla cuddling on the lap of your cat.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Yes, cats and chinchillas can live in one house. Provide hay in your chinchilla's cage at all times so it has something to graze on. 3 Spot-clean soiled bedding daily, and do a full bedding change weekly when you wash everything in the enclosure with mild soap and water. They can easily get an upset stomach and have a limited capacity for digestion. This means it should comprise 35% carbohydrates, 30% fiber, 15% protein, 4% protein, and less than 3.5% fat. Chinchilla Pet Animals and Pets. Oxbow hay (low dust/hypoallergenic) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is an animal that will get you smitten instantly, and its elegance will keep swirling, Read More Can Chinchillas Get Fleas? Always offer small amounts of sugar to your chinchillas and seek advice from your vet if you still arent sure. This will ensure that they look for it, as they had to look for the food in the wild. C hoosing a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Take a look at the guide below that details what foods your chinchilla should eat and in what quantities. After all, it wont cost much and it might even taste good. Instead, offer your cat leafy green vegetables like kale, bok choy, or arugula. , they get most if not all of the nutrition they need from this basic diet. and how to get rid of itContinue. Grapes and raisins have shown to be toxic to dogs, ferrets and cats. Its important to offer your chinchillas an unlimited amount of fresh hay in their cage daily so they can continually consume the large amounts of fibre they need. Foods You Can Feed to Your Chinchilla as Treats Include: Rope Hips are considered one of the healthiest treats you can offer your chinchilla. Indigestible bedding, such as wood shavings, also can cause obstructions. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Pecans? as their pellets are of a high quality and are fortified with vitamins such as vitamin D3. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! Just 1 Persian chinchilla left male ( boy ) so playful and friendly and smart, eating dry and wet full trained ,indoor cats living with they parents free all over the house born on new year D.O.B : 01//01/2023 looking for for ever lovely house will b Age Age: 7 weeks; Ready to leave Ready to leave: in 1 week Feeding adult chinchillas too much alfalfa hay can cause obesity and even calcium stones as the level of calcium and other nutrients is too high and out of balance. Similarly, pet chinchillas should be offered food twice a day but may consume food throughout the day, as they tend to eat more slowly than other small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. All Things Dog. Similarly, pet chinchillas should be offered food twice a day but may consume food throughout the day, as they tend to eat more slowly than other small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Fresh drinking water should be offered daily in a water bowl or bottle. If you want to give them something extra special, then you can include some fruit snacks, peanut butter, cheese, or eggshells into their food bowl every once in a while. Read on for everything that you'll need to know. This leads to problems including diarrhea, weight loss, and stomach ulcers. Answer (1 of 2): Why would you want to do that? Some common options for food items that every pet chinchilla owner needs to keep their chinchilla safe and healthy are listed below. Please remember that there are hundreds of greens and vegetables from around the world. Every formula uses industry-leading volume of protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Thank you for supporting us on our journey as we continue to publish content with the aim of helping owners care for their pets in the best way possible! If you want to ensure that your chinchilla gets enough calcium, then you should add some eggshells to their diet. Dont give food that is meant for guinea pigs as they have different digestive systems. In this article, we'll answer the above questions by taking an in-depth look at what kind of diet is best for your beloved pet chinchilla. How to feed the chinchilla. But here is a pretty extensive list of what is safe for chins and most can be found in the bulk section of a health food store for cheap. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This is the case even if the chinchilla is caged as your cat might opt to stare down at the chinchilla or reach down the cage.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_15',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); This will be a traumatizing experience for the chinchilla, which your cat views as prey. Gastrointestinal Disorders. The short answer is yes, chinchillas can eat rabbit food. Hamster food is made largely of things that would be harmful for a chinchilla to eat. Lets now take a look at each of these and see why you need to only offer foods that are high in these nutrients sparingly. 4. Treats such as dried fruit, grains, nuts and seeds should not be offered, as they are not easily digested and may lead to tooth damage. Wet foods are usually made up of milk and water. As a general rule of thumb, chinchillas dont need fruit to be considered healthy and they dont need it in their diet. We ship to everywhere in Canada, and can deliver your package right to your door! If this is a problem you were undergoing, reading this insightful article has enlightened you to understand better if cats and chinchillas can get along. 2.4 Certain Breakfast Cereals. Dried dandelions. Feed them right, and youll have a happy, cuddly pet for many years. Distilled water isnt as easy to get hold of as water from the tap and it, unfortunately, does not contain any minerals which your Chinchilla needs. Read More The Best Chinchilla Toys (Review) in 2023Continue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. It is not a suitable food for them to have, even in small amounts. It is important to remember the natural chinchilla diet is mainly made up of hay and grass, with some twigs and leaves in between. If you want to get a pet chinchilla, you should take into consideration some important things before buying them. Get the Best Price and Selection of Dry Dog Food at Pet Supplies Plus. Timothy hay should be offered in unlimited quantities so your chinchilla can graze and feed on it continually throughout the day, again, more on the exact amounts of food to offer your chin each day later in the post. While chinchillas and hamsters may seem similar, their diets couldn't be more different, and that means you . This might not sound that bad at first, however, the fact that a chinchillas digestional tract isnt adapted to processing large amounts of sugar means that it can be left to ferment and cause gas. Created using the Newspaper Theme. Limit fruits and sugary vegetables (e.g., carrots) to <1 teaspoon/day. The list below contains the fruits that chinchillas can eat in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. The most crucial behavior factors about cats you need to know about them is that they are: On the other hand, the personality traits of the chinchilla are: With such divergent personality traits, its now evident why your cat and chinchilla might struggle to get along just fine. You can also feed them a mixture of all these hays. Greens and veggies that would usually be considered really healthy choices for most animals can be harmful to chinchillas as nutrients such as calcium can cause unwanted health problems if consumed too often and in large quantities.